This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Squash, Winter: Buttercup

Marina di Chioggia

Buttercup squash is a type of winter squash, with a flattened turban shape, and generally has green skin, with dense, yellow-orange flesh.

Winter squash is a summer-growing annual vegetable, in the same family as summer squash. Unlike summer squash, though, winter squash is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, when the seeds within have matured fully and the skin has hardened into a tough rind. At this stage, most varieties of this fruit can be stored for use during the winter. It is generally cooked before eating.

Winter Squash are sprawling plants, notorious for taking up a lot of room; so do not plant them in the middle of the intensive garden. They take a lot less space if grown vertically on trellises or cages, but then of course they cast a considerable amount of shade. Generally it is best to plant them in hills at the edge of the garden and let them run off into unused space. The site of an old compost pile by a wire fence is perfect. Once established they can compete with almost any plant, so long as their roots are in good soil and they are well fed and watered.

The plants need an evenly moist soil for maximum productivity. The best way to water squash is in the morning with a soaker hose or drip irrigation, as wet foliage can easily lead to fungus diseases, especially with cooler nighttime temperatures.